Discover the Heart of Kishu: Fresh Flavors, Timeless Traditions
San Pin Nakatsu, nestled in the serene hills of Wakayama’s Hidaka River Town, is more than a roadside station—it’s a celebration of local life. Tucked along the main Kii Highway, this welcoming stop offers travelers a chance to savor the region’s bounty, from crisp mountain vegetables and river-fresh produce to the famed “horo-horo” chicken, a local delicacy celebrated in every bite. The station’s vibrant shop features seasonal goods, handcrafted jams, and traditional wooden baskets, connecting visitors to the area’s heritage.
At the heart of the experience is the cozy “Horohoro Tea House,” where guests can enjoy the signature horo-horo donburi or grilled skewers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. With 24-hour restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging, San Pin Nakatsu blends modern convenience with authentic charm. Whether you're exploring nearby Kino Kuni Nakatsu Camp or soaking in the natural beauty of Ayame no Yu Onigiri Hot Spring, this station is your gateway to the soul of Kishu.
Why Visit
Visit San Pin Nakatsu for the only place in the region where you can taste the legendary horohoro chicken—a locally famous, slow-roasted bird so tender it falls apart at the touch, served in the signature horohoro donburi or as grilled skewers at the on-site café Horohoro-tei. Nearby, the roadside station is the sole outlet for fresh mountain and river delicacies from the Hidaka River basin, including wild mushrooms and handmade shimeji kinton, a savory sweet made from local shiitake.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at San Pin Nakatsu roadside station, where fresh ingredients meet traditional recipes in a welcoming dining experience.
Café Horohoro Tei
喫茶・ほろほろ亭
Specialty
Local specialty dish featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken
A cozy dining spot offering locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on traditional Japanese flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu highlights regional cuisine made with fresh, seasonal produce.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic regional goods and seasonal produce at San Pin Nakatsu roadside station’s vibrant marketplace.
Local Specialty Sales Store
特産品販売所
A retail shop offering a variety of locally produced goods, including fresh vegetables, processed foods, and regional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Horohoro Chicken Meat (Frozen)
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like tender ho-ro-ho chicken, fresh mountain and river delicacies, and locally crafted items.
Horohoro Chicken Meat (Frozen)
ほろほろ鳥の肉(冷凍)
Frozen chicken meat from the signature Horohoro chicken, known for its tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Perfect for home cooking and grilling.
Shiitake Mushrooms
椎茸
Fresh, locally grown shiitake mushrooms with a rich, earthy flavor. Ideal for soups, stir-fries, and grilling.
Enoki Mushroom Kanzuke
しめじの佃煮
A traditional Japanese condiment made from enoki mushrooms simmered in a sweet soy sauce. Perfect as a side dish or rice topping.
Mikan Oranges
みかん
Fresh, juicy mikan oranges grown in the region. Known for their sweetness and easy-to-peel skin.
Kishu Binchocharcoal
紀州備長炭
High-quality charcoal made from oak wood, ideal for grilling and cooking. Known for its long burn time and clean flame.
Wood Vinegar
木酢液
Natural wood vinegar derived from the distillation of wood. Used for cooking, cleaning, and as a natural deodorizer.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including free Wi-Fi, 24-hour restrooms, parking, and EV charging at San Pin Nakatsu roadside station.
Parking Lot
34 parking spaces available, including 2 large vehicle spots and 1 disabled-accessible spot.
Restroom
3 male toilets and 3 female toilets available. One disabled-accessible toilet is also provided.
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available throughout the roadside station.
Information Center
Offers tourism information, local specialty product details, and assistance with nearby attractions, accommodations, and hot springs.
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging available only during business hours for facility users.
Public Telephone
One public telephone available for use 24 hours a day.
Insider Tips
Visit during seasonal events, arrive early for fresh produce, and ask staff for hidden local gems near San Pin Nakatsu roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to enjoy the full selection of fresh-baked goods at the café, including the limited-time "ほろほろ亭" morning pastries, which are sold out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Look for the "みかん" (mandarin oranges) and "しめじの佃煮" (shiitake mushroom katsuobushi stew) in the special products section—they are only restocked on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sell out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On the second Saturday of each month, visit the "フリーマーケット" (free market) held in the parking area, where local artisans sell handmade crafts, organic vegetables, and seasonal jams—open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Best Meal Timing: Order the "元祖ほろほろ丼" (original ho-ho chicken bowl) at 11:30 AM on weekdays to avoid the lunch rush and ensure the chef has freshly prepared the ho-ho chicken, which is made in small batches and runs out by 1:30 PM.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charger only between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM on weekdays, as it is reserved exclusively for visitors during operating hours and is not available during the off-season (December 31 to January 2).
- Local Product Pickup: Request the "紀州備長炭" (Kishu Bincho Charcoal) and "木酢液" (wood vinegar) for home delivery by calling the reservation line at 0738-54-0541 before 12:00 PM on Wednesdays, as orders placed after this time are processed the following week.
- Nearby Access Tip: When visiting the "中津温泉あやめの湯鳴滝" (Nagatani Ayame no Yu Onsen), stop at the roadside station’s information desk to get a free map of the onsen trail and a discount voucher for the bathhouse—available only until 12:00 PM daily.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for the Fujidana Road bloom (mid-April to early May) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the summer festival and outdoor activities at Kawabe Tennis Park, with events like the 2024 Horn Summer Concert.
Autumn (September–November): Visit during the 9th Hidaka Forest Festival (November 9) and sample seasonal mountain and river delicacies.
Winter (December–February): Experience quiet charm with seasonal produce and the nearby Ayaume no Yu Nagitaki hot spring.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a clean, accessible restroom and parking with space for strollers. Though no dedicated play area exists, the nearby nature and walking paths provide informal outdoor engagement for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated café, 'Horohoro-Tei,' offering unique local dishes like horohoro chicken donburi and yakitori. Fresh local produce and regional specialties are available in the shop.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour access to restrooms and parking, with 34 spaces including two for large vehicles. However, no overnight parking policy is specified, and the site lacks designated camping comfort features.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the Hidaka River with scenic views of natural landscapes. Offers photo opportunities along the river and seasonal beauty, enhanced by nearby natural attractions like Ayame no Taki.